Every year, cowboy builders and rogue traders clock up around £1.5 billion worth of problems for homeowners across the country. From shoddy kitchens, to improperly installed white goods, to leaky roofs, there are plenty of horror tales around.

With large numbers of rogue tradesmen roaming the country, the good news is that there are still registered builders who are reliable and do an excellent job. But what can you do to protect yourself from making the wrong choice and potentially ruining your home? Its not as if they wear nametags that read hello, my name is Matt and Im a cowboy builder.

Here, Nick Orchard, Britain's top tradesman, according to TrustMark, gives his tips on how to get the right tradesman.